UEFA Champions League 2023 semi-finals, Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Even-Stevens after the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu

UEFA Champions League 2023 semi-finals, Real Madrid vs Manchester City: It was a thriller of a match when Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid faced Pep Guardiola's Manchester City on Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but the intensity was unmatched. Both teams had their chances, and they stepped up to defend those chances.

Both goals came from long-range shots outside the box, with Vinicius Junior opening the scoring for Madrid in the 36th minute. The effort was made possible by Madrid full-back Eduardo Camavinga, who had made a great run and passed the ball towards Vinicius, who powered it past the City defence into the net.

As the game started, it was assumed that Manchester City would have the first go. Real Madrid's shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois was also equally up to the task as City upped the tempo, making some good saves with initial shots from Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri. Madrid had some good chances but was not able to capitalise on them. Then, in the 36th minute, Vinicius Jr fired a shot from outside the box into the City net.

In the second half, it was Madrid that initially tried to dominate on the field, but City created more chances by attacking the Real goal and coming close to scoring the equaliser on several occasions. However, in the 67th minute, City midfielder De Bruyne shot the ball outside the penalty box from a Ilkay Gundogan pass, and the ball flew into the back of the Madrid goal. There was no chance for the Madrid defence to stop that rocket.

The match was still anybody's game, as both teams came close to taking the lead. There were a few chances for Madrid as well, which were equally matched by City goalkeeper Ederson.  Both Real and City maintained the same intensity throughout the game.

"I think both teams have the feeling that it was a good result," said Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who took charge of his 190th Champions League match as manager. He further added, "Maybe we played a bit better to deserve a victory, but it's a series that will be even until the last minute."

City manager Pep Guardiola reflected on the game, and said, "It was an even match. They scored when we were better and we equalised when they were better. It will al be decided in Manchester."

The second leg of the matchup will be played on Thursday, May 18 at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, where it will be decided who will advance into the UEFA Champions League final, which will be played in Istanbul.